This is terrible. Before clicking through I was hoping it was at least something like lymphoma or thyroid cancer, which have pretty good five- and ten-year survival rates. But rectal and stage 4 breast cancer are bad. Those two are blessed to have each other, especially in this situation.

A couple I know had Hodgkin's (her) at 40 and Salivary gland cancer (him) at 43, that is, they had their cancers three years apart. Ten years later they are both fine but I know the shared experience made it easier for the husband. Their son was 11 through 14 during the illness period. I always wondered if he thought having two parents with cancer was just a normal part of life.

This is what happened in my family, though it was my mom who got sick first. I was "lucky" enough to be in high school (age 16) when it all happened. I just remember my dad(who I had never seen cry in my life) say "This is what they mean "in sickness and in health" when you take your wedding vows. He asked that when I got married that I truly understand the commitment you are making to each other when you say those particular words. My prayers are with both the parents and their daughter.

cancer is no fun, for thepatient, or for their loved ones. Iwas diagnosed wth brain cancer right about the time I graduated from Ann's Alma mater, and 13 years later, I amstill stuck in AnnArbor, still not out of the woods. My career and academic goals have gone to hell, and my illness has made live hell for m y parents and other relatives who live in the USA.

I hope that young couple have a better time with healingfrom their cancers, that I have. They need to stay alive to care for their little kid. In my case being single with no kids, has made at least that aspect of cancer easier. If I die , no one but my parents will suffer.

Daniel: I noticed your comment, and more notable and important, what you wrote touched me. There's not a thing I can do in response that's at all practically helpful. Yet having been touched by what you wrote, about yourself and your family, I can't just skip over it, cast it away. I'd bet it's not true that if you die, *only* your parents will suffer. (Also--please pardon me for saying so--unless you have a child yourself, you may not fully grasp what that suffering of your parents to which you refer will really mean, and perhaps what it means already.) Fight on, Daniel, fight on. Your life is precious, and not just on account of/to you and your parents. {()} + prayers

Timotheus: Oh, that's terrible. I am sorry for your loss, and I can't truly imagine what it's like to be in such a mixed place as yours: It's possible to beat cancer! Except when it's not! Or something like that--honestly, not having been there, I cannot know. All I can do is wish all the "best" best there can be, in *your* terms. And I DO so wish. Take care, Timotheus.

My best two. To share the hard times I heard, rather than good, learn what you can rely on each other's love. Ten years later, they are good, but I know that sharing of experience, is easier for her husband. Their son was ill during the 11 to 14. I have been thinking, if he thinks there are two parents with cancer is just a normal part of life.spider veins